Khalil Rountree claps back at criticism from Jamahal Hill and others following UFC 307 title fight announcement: "I think the problem is yours"
Khalil Rountree recently clapped back at criticism from Jamahal Hill and others after it was officially announced that he will be challenging Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight championship in the main event of UFC 307. The event is scheduled to take place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on Oct. 5, and boasts a stacked card.
'Sweet Dreams' sounded off after the announcement was made and brought up that their fight fell through due to 'The War Horse's' failed drug test for consuming a banned substance. Hill mentioned that the rankings weren't honored in this situation as Rountree is currently the No. 8 ranked light heavyweight and believed that it was unfair that he was awarded the title shot against Pereira.
While speaking to MMA journalist Kevin Iole, the 34-year-old responded to the criticism he faced immediately following Dana White's announcement. Rountree mentioned those criticizing him should assess their issues and mentioned that fans will be in for an exciting light heavyweight title fight. He said:
"I understand that [Hill] is upset for his own personal reasons...I'm grateful for the UFC for this opportunity. Everybody else whatever negative opinions, if you're anything but excited about this fight [with Pereira], maybe you got the problem. I don't think it's the matchmakers or the company. It's like if you have a problem with this, I think the problem is yours."
Check out Khalil Rountree's comments below:
Khalil Rountree says he was surprised to receive title shot against Alex Pereira
In addition to responding to criticism, Khalil Rountree noted that he was surprised himself when the promotion offered him a title shot against Alex Pereira at UFC 307.
During the aforementioned interview, Rountree mentioned that the promotion offered him the fight two days ago, but ensured that he would be fully prepared for the opportunity. He said:
"I was absolutely surprised [UFC offered me a title shot]. It was unexpected, you know, I didn't know that this was a possibility like, right now. I was always prepared for it, it's always what I wanted but I do understand that yes, there are things like rankings...sometimes I guess can play a huge part. But, yeah, I was surprised 100%." [1:29 - 1:51]
Check out the full interview with Khalil Rountree below: